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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy was denied for increased ratings prior to July 16, 2019 and as of that date. The current rating of 30% is upheld.

The deciding factor: The Veteran had visual field loss with average concentric contraction of less than 45 degrees in both eyes, which warranted a 30% rating under the criteria for visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy.

Claimed conditions
Diabetic Retinopathy
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
May 19, 2021
Citation
21030833

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21030833.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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